Omaha Police Probe Assault as Anti-Gay Hate Crime

(AP) — Omaha police have begun investigating an assault in the Old Market area as a hate crime.

Ryan Langenegger says he was punched in the face by a man who, with some other men, had been making fun of two gay friends of Langenegger. The two had been to a drag show with Langenegger. The three later went to a restaurant in the area early Sunday morning. One of them was wearing a dress.

Langenegger says he tried talking to the men, who been using anti-gay slurs and said the men were disgusting. One of them hit him in the face.

Police have reported no arrests.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert (STAH’-thurt) said Thursday that “hate crimes in our community will not be tolerated.”